IN RE: LAILA PARVIZIAN BRASWELL (2023)

Joint petition for consent discipline accepted. See per curiam.

10/05/23

SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA

NO. 2023-B-1012

IN RE: LAILA PARVIZIAN BRASWELL

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING

PER CURIAM

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation into allegations that respondent neglected a legal matter, failed to communicate with a client, and failed to withdraw from a representation she determined she could not handle. Prior to the filing of formal charges, respondent and the ODC submitted a joint petition for consent discipline. Having reviewed the petition,

IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that Laila Parvizian Braswell, Louisiana Bar Roll number 31909, be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months. This suspension shall be deferred in its entirety, subject to a two-year period of probation with the conditions set forth in the petition for consent discipline. The probationary period shall commence from the date respondent and the ODC execute a formal probation plan. Any failure of respondent to comply with the conditions of probation, or any misconduct during the probationary period, may be grounds for making the deferred suspension executory, or imposing additional discipline, as appropriate.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all costs and expenses in the matter are assessed against respondent in accordance with Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 10.1, with legal interest to commence thirty days from the date of finality of this court's judgment until paid.

In light of the actual harm to a client as a result of respondent's negligent and knowing misconduct, I would reject the petition for consent discipline. In my view, the sanction proposed is unduly lenient.

Hughes, J., dissents for reasons assigned by Justice Crichton. Crichton, J., dissents and assigns reasons. Genovese, J., dissents for reasons assigned by Justice Crichton.